ResearchWave

The goal of a research institution is, ultimately, to share
and disseminate knowledge. Yet the sheer volume of information
produced by large institutions makes it challenging
to keep track of the vast knowledge within. Information
on who knows what is often scattered across multiple
sources and media. Expertise tracking systems allow users
to search for people who know answers, but do not support
serendipitous discovery. ResearchWave is a large-display ambient visualization.

Installed in the social spaces of a research institution it was designed to help visitors and researchers alike develop awareness of research activities.
ResearchWave represents information on research activities
in a lightweight and aesthetically pleasing manner. It is based on a “walk up and use” approach: it uses
multiple levels of visual encodings to engage people while
allowing them to learn more with each novel encounter.